About this Citroen Light Fifteen

DEPOSIT TAKEN - 25/08/2022

Citroën's brainchild, the 7C 'Traction Avant' broke new ground in almost every aspect of production car engineering on its launch in 1934 with its unitary construction of the body/chassis in the form of a monocoque body shell, front wheel drive, all-independent torsion bar suspension, hydraulic brakes, a synchromesh gearbox and a 4 cylinder, overhead-valve wet-liner engine were all incorporated into the new car and the design effectively set the template for all modern family cars which was not superseded by other vehicles until the late 1950’s.

The original 7C 1.3 litre Traction Avant was soon superseded by the larger 1.9-litre 11 Legère model which was also built in Slough, England from 1935 and known as the 'Light Fifteen'. Production ceased in 1939/40 due to WW2, but resumed both in France and Slough in 1946 and lasted until 1957 when the Traction Avant was replaced by the equally revolutionary Citroen DS.

There were a number of differences between the French and English built cars and it is fair to say that the Slough built cars were more refined and luxurious.
The main differences were:

• 12 Volt Electrics
• Starter Motor, Dynamo, Distributor, Voltage Regulator and Coil all made by Lucas in England
• Steering Wheel made by Clifford Coverings
• All lights made by Lucas in Birmingham
• Battery made by Exide
• Radiator made by Marston Radiators
• Wheels made by Rubery Owen (post war)
• Tyres made by Michelin in England
• Bumpers made by Pyrene in Brentford
• All instruments made by Smiths Instruments
• Electrical Wiring looms made by Ripualt
• Exhaust and Petrol Tank made by Chillcott
• Windscreen and Glass made by Triplex and Lancegaye
• Full Leather interiors
• Wooden Dashboards and Door Cappings
• Optional metal Sun Roof

According to the Traction Avant Owners Club, this beautiful RHD 11CL Light Fifteen (Big Boot) - Chassis No: 9/550198 and Engine No: BPVSM3158 was built in Slough on 1st February 1955 and is the 198th car out of the last 717 built by Citroen before the factory closed later that year. It was registered here in the UK in February 1955 but at some point in its life it was exported to Portugal and registered there with the number plate BB-21-75 and has formed part of a large private collection of classic cars for many years. It was restored in Portugal to a very high standard approximately 10 years ago and is still in excellent condition. We have just purchased and imported the car back to the UK and are delighted to be able to offer this lovely example for sale.

It is finished in Silver Metallic with a beautiful Blue Leather interior with blue carpets, a new Grey headlining, a lovely restored wooden dashboard and door trims, excellent Chrome bumpers and chrome trims, really nice paintwork and a lovely and smooth rebuilt 1911cc Engine and 3 Speed Manual Gearbox. It has had lots of new parts fitted and really is a beautiful looking car which drives and performs really well.

The car has just been registered with the period UK Registration number 149 XVT and this really is a stunning example!

Upon sale the car will be given a pre-sales service and it will come with our own 6 Month mechanical Warranty.

Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake.

NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car’s history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights.